I am looking to become a UPS driver. I see they hire full-time drivers but I get info. from outsiders that say I need to start as a package handler prior to becomeing a driver. Is this true? Second, I already work for usps as a delivery person and was wondering if that experience will help me in the interview process. Third, if UPS does hire full-time drivers what can I expect during the interview process, probation period, paid vacation and sick time, hours worked per week, starting pay, union dues, and expectations?
There are 2 ways to become a driver off the street without working full time. They have a 6:1 ratio for inside promotions to outside hires. However, often those 1 outside hires go to UPS management who want to become drivers. The other way is to hire on part time and wait your turn to become a driver. The inside wait for driving may be 6 months to 5 years (or longer) depending on the building you work in.
Probationary period and vacation seems to differ a little all over the country depending on which regional union contract you are under. In my region it takes 70 working days to make seniority as a part timer. Driver probabion is 30 working days but is increasing to 60 working days under the new contract.
Under the new contract you have to wait a year (or more ?) to get medical benefits. For part time these benefits are ok, but for drivers they are some of the best around.
After a year in my regional contract you get 2 weeks paid vacation, 5 individual optional days to use whenever, and 5 paid sick days. After 2 years 3 weeks paid vacation, 5 option days, 5 sick days. Vacation weeks increase up to I think a max of 7 weeks at 25 years ?
Don't remember exactly how much union dues are. I think it's based on your hourly rate. Maybe 2 or 4 times your hourly rate per month.
Good luck!
Starting pay for drivers is changing under the new contract.
3 year progression. About 16$ to start and top out around 30$ (in the future if you start soon it'll be 30$ by the time you top out. now it's about 28.4$ per hour)